Myanmar is a photographer’s dream destination, offering unparalleled opportunities for capturing stunning and unique images. For anyone planning a Myanmar Photo Tour, it’s essential to be prepared to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re joining Guided Photography Tours Myanmar or embarking on a customized Photo Tour Myanmar, the country offers endless inspiration all year round.
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As the second-largest country in Southeast Asia, Myanmar provides diverse climates and landscapes, ensuring there’s always a perfect spot for photography, regardless of the season. Knowing where to go during your visit is key to creating breathtaking images. Before planning your trip, research the regions that will offer the best photographic opportunities during your travel dates.
Myanmar’s traditional festivals and holidays can make cities lively and crowded, which is worth considering if your tour focuses on urban areas. However, if your photography tour takes you beyond the usual tourist destinations, these events are unlikely to disrupt your plans. A well-planned Myanmar Photo Tour ensures you capture the country’s beauty, culture, and charm in every frame.
Summer : March – May
The whole country can be hot (especially in the afternoon – around 35 degrees Celsius) so you’re advised to plan sightseeing more in the mornings and evenings. The landscapes are drier but the days are dry (expect some rainier days in late May). This is an excellent time to visit the beaches and to visit higher parts of Myanmar, which are cooler (including The Shan state).
Green Season: June – mid-October
The temperatures drop as the rain arrives (although still about 25 – 30 degrees Celsius) and the scenery is wonderfully green. Sightseeing is not too hot and not too dusty. It is the perfect period to visit Bagan,
Mandalay and Shan states (Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kalaw, Inle Lake), which sees much less rain than the rest of the country (mostly a short shower at the end of the day). We would encourage you to avoid the beaches in this period (it rains more at the coast and most hotels are closed in this period). Yangon can get quite some rain as well so it is better to spend just one or two nights here. Sightseeing is great as there aren’t many other tourists around yet – it’s Myanmar at its best! This is the period we generally advise our closest friends to come and visit.
Winter : Mid-October – February
This is the most popular season for tourists to travel because of the lower temperatures (evenings in the mountains can be cold –10 degrees Celsius) but the daytime temperature around most of the country is about 30 degrees. Traditionally November marks the beginning of the dry season. Weather wise this is the perfect time to visit everywhere in the country (but bring warm clothes for Inle Lake and higher areas). The downfall is that it can be busy at the major tourist locations – it is much harder to find yourself ‘away from the crowds’ no matter how carefully we plan your itinerary.
Our Cultures are Different
I many other parts of the world, it’s commonplace to see photographers walking around and taking photos of people, buildings, sights, and more. In Myanmar, this isn’t always the case.
Big cities such as Yangon and Mandalay are used to photographers. But if you’re in a non-touristy or rural area, make sure to be culturally sensitive to the people who live and work there. They may not want their photo taken. So simply asking permission is enough, and they’ll be more than happy to pose for you.
There are a few places in Myanmar where photography is a complete no-go – whether you have permission or not. Even if there is nothing official on a location’s website or on-site stating that photography is prohibited, “no photos” and “no flash” signs are common in some religious monuments especially in Bagan . It is in your best interest to adhere to these signs. Some of these religious monuments are very old and sacred. Taking photographs is many times considered disrespectful in these areas
What is not to be photographed in Bagan & Myanmar ?
- The mural painting in ancient religious monuments in Bagan .
- Doing staged shots with Buddhist novices or monks in Bagan.
- Shooting inside the dormitory or private room or areas of Buddhist nuns .
- Some museums that have signs of No Photos .
It is best to stay away from government buildings and other politically-sensitive areas when taking photos such as military bases and airports. Again, while this might seem commonplace in other foreign countries , taking photographs of these areas may be perceived as something else – possibly spying or a terrorist act. Understand where you’re pointing your camera at all times.
The Burmese language is widely spoken throughout Myanmar and nothing like English, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get by in rural areas without knowing any Burmese Language. It is wise to pack a pocket translator or, better yet, a language phrase book.Before you travel, identify some commonly used phrases you may have to say when traveling around Myanmar for Myanmar Photo Tour 2022 and beyond. Think of the type of situations you’ll be in, and what speech may come in handy.
The Best Photography Spots Aren’t the Touristy Ones
You may want to spend all of your time at the shrines and religious statues that dominate many of the tourist areas, but keep in mind that many of the best photography spots aren’t where all the tourists are crowding.Myanmar has word-class rural landscape that any photographer would be amiss not to photograph. The trouble with many is you need insider knowledge or a lot of time to get to them.
Plan ahead and know how many batteries you can bring for your camera. While most types of normal batteries are acceptable in checked and carry-on luggage, it’s important to note that travelers may only bring spare lithium ion batteries on carry-on luggage only. Some airlines also only allow passengers up to two batteries in their possession at a time. This may affect your luggage weight, so make sure you know how many batteries, and what kinds, you’re allowed to travel with.
A charger is also necessary. Because you’re in a different country, it’s unwise to rely on basic tourist stores to carry the exact type and brand of battery you need in case yours is damaged or lost. Bring the maximum amount of extra camera batteries allowed by TSA and your airline. Don’t be left standing on the top of Mount Everest without a working camera!
If you’re seeking unforgettable images, Myanmar is the ultimate destination for your next Myanmar Photo Tour. From breathtaking historical structures and cultural landmarks to the serene beauty of rural landscapes, Myanmar offers endless opportunities for photographers. The best part? No matter when you visit, this unique country ensures you’ll leave with memory cards brimming with stunning photos.
With our Guided Photography Tours Myanmar, you’ll receive expert tips and personalized guidance to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, our Photo Tour Myanmar packages are designed to help you capture extraordinary moments. Start planning your photography adventure today!
